LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard J. Cea, Esq. upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the 2016 Monsignor Thomas G. Hagerty
Humanitarian Award by HeartShare Human Services of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Richard J. Cea, Esq. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2016 Monsignor Thomas G. Hagerty Humanitarian Award by HeartShare
Human Services of New York to be celebrated at its Spring Gala and
Auction on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at the New York Marriott Marquis
in New York City; and
WHEREAS, The mission of HeartShare Human Services of New York is to
nurture and support, with dignity and respect, children, adults, and
families in order to expand opportunities and enhance lives; and
WHEREAS, Richard J. Cea is receiving this auspicious award for his
devotion to his profession and sincere dedication and substantial role
as a community leader; he has continuously cast a positive impact on his
community and displayed an unbridled enthusiasm in all his professional
and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1974,
Richard J. Cea received his law degree from Fordham University School of
Law in 1977; and
WHEREAS, Richard J. Cea furthered his education by obtaining his Labor
Relations Studies Certificate from The New York State School of Indus-
trial and Labor Relations at Cornell University in 1995, as well as his
Estate and Gift Tax Planning Certificate from the New York University
School of Continuing and Professional Studies in 2004; and
WHEREAS, Richard J. Cea was admitted to practice before the Courts of
New York State in 1978; the United States District Court, Southern
District of New York in 1979; United States District Court, Eastern
District of New York in 1982; United States Court of Appeals, Second
Circuit in 1999; and the United States Supreme Court in 1984; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, Richard J. Cea began his illustrious career with
HeartShare Human Services, then known as Catholic Guardian Society of
Brooklyn and Queens, holding the position of Administrative Assistant in
its Adoption Unit; and
WHEREAS, Three years later, he held the esteemed title of General
Counsel to HeartShare; in June of 1978, he left to join his current
firm, then known as Hurley, Kearney & Lane, as an Associate Attorney;
and
WHEREAS, In August of 1980, Richard J. Cea became a partner in Hurley,
Kearney & Lane and, in 1996, the firm merged with Wingate & Cullen to
form Wingate, Kearney and Cullen, LLP; the overwhelming majority of his
practice involves a lifelong representation of religious, charitable and
educational entities; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Richard J. Cea serves as the attorney to the
Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn and for many religious organizations,
as well as being counsel to the HeartShare family; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1864, Wingate, Kearney & Cullen has repres-
ented the Brooklyn Diocese for over 100 years, and former Brooklyn
institutions and icons, such as the Brooklyn Dodgers, Charles Ebbetts,
Helen Keller, the Brooklyn Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children and Kings County Buick; and

WHEREAS, Richard J. Cea is a vital member of several organizations
including the New York State Bar Association, National Catholic Cemetery
Conference, New York State Cemetery Association and The Catholic Lawyers
Guild, Kings County Chapter, where he served as President in 1990; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Richard J. Cea has participated on the Board of
Directors of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul of the Diocese of Brook-
lyn, the Belle Harbor Property Owners Association, Inc. and Trans Video
Communications, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his two children, Christine and
Richard Scott (Nicole), both of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, It the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance
the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition
and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard J. Cea, Esq. upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2016 Monsignor Thomas G. Hagerty Humanitarian Award by
HeartShare Human Services of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard J. Cea, Esq.